Windows File History

Question

On a dual-boot (Win10 + Win11) system can I share/reuse the same File History data in both OS's without problems ?
If yes :

• how do I copy the File History settings from one OS to the other and where can I find these settings ?
• does this also work when the File History save location is an external drive (USB, LAN, ...) ?

And 1 more question : I read rumors that File History is being phased out and will be abandoned. Is this true or not ?

Answer 1

Hi Yves,

Hope you're doing well.

You can share File History data between Windows 10 and Windows 11 on a dual-boot system. The File History settings are located in the "%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory" directory. To copy the settings from one OS to another, you would need to access this directory and manually copy the configuration files. However, this process is not straightforward and may require advanced knowledge of Windows file structures and permissions. Additionally, using File History with an external drive as the save location should work without issues, as long as the drive is accessible by both operating systems.

Here're the relevant documents for your reference:

Windows 11 upgrade has broken File History - Microsoft Community

What You Need to Know about File History in Windows 11 (itprotoday.com)

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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Answer 2

• Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 use the same File History system, so theoretically, you can share the same File History data between them.
• However, directly sharing the File History drive between two operating systems might not work seamlessly due to potential differences in how each OS manages and updates File History.
• For Windows 10:
  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
  2. Connect your external drive or configure a network location.
  3. Turn on File History and select the drive or network location.
• For Windows 11:
  1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Click Advanced storage settings > Backup options.
  3. Connect the same external drive or configure the same network location used in Windows 10.
  4. Turn on File History and select the same drive or network location.

File History settings are stored in the Configuration folder within the File History backup location.

You need to ensure that both Windows 10 and Windows 11 can access this configuration folder.

When the save location is an external drive or network location, ensure it is always connected to whichever OS you are using. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11.